Arizona HOAs are governed mostly by state law (Title 33). But a handful of federal laws override the CC&Rs and tell an association what it cannot do — and homeowners often don’t know these exist. Here are the federal laws that reach into your community, each with the citations and the practical bottom line.
Fair Housing Act
Bans housing discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations for disability — assistance animals, accessible parking, and more. The single biggest source of federal HOA liability.
Antennas & Satellite Dishes (OTARD)
The FCC rule that stops your HOA from banning most satellite dishes and antennas in your own yard, patio, or balcony — and puts the burden on the HOA to justify any restriction.
Freedom to Display the American Flag Act
An HOA may not prohibit a member from displaying the U.S. flag on their own residential property, subject to reasonable time/place/manner rules.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Limits how third-party collectors and law firms may pursue your unpaid assessments — validation notices, no harassment, and a right to make them stop.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
Protects active-duty military owners: a 6% interest cap, protection from default judgments, and a court order required before foreclosing an assessment lien.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Reaches an HOA only where a facility is open to the public (a rental office, a clubhouse rented to outsiders). For disability inside the community, the Fair Housing Act applies instead.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Code
When an owner files bankruptcy, the automatic stay halts HOA collection — and federal law decides which assessments are wiped out and which (and which liens) survive.
Think your rights were violated?
Fair-housing complaints have a strict one-year deadline. Here’s how to file — for free, without a lawyer: